Israel blocks Catholic cardinal from Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday - Financial Times

Israel blocked a Catholic cardinal from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, preventing him from participating in the Christian holiday's observances at one of Christianity's most sacred sites. The incident occurred during a period of heightened tensions in Jerusalem, where Israeli security measures at holy sites have intensified following regional conflict. The blockade of a high-ranking church official represents a rare restriction on Christian religious practice and access to a site managed jointly by multiple Christian denominations. The move risks deepening friction between Israel and the Catholic Church, which has been critical of Israeli military operations and civilian casualties in the region. Such restrictions on clergy access to major religious sites can affect worship services and undermine delicate agreements governing interfaith access to Jerusalem's contested religious landmarks.